Larry's Reef Savvy build.

[larryandlaura]

We got out of the hobby a month ago, and truly miss the tanks. We had over 300 gallons of saltwater, in the last setup with three tanks. With this much water comes a lot of maintenance and cost. I decided to go small and get back in with a low energy efficient build.
I picked up a Reef Savvy 24x24x18 rimless tank, with low iron glass, phantom bottom and a hybrid overflow. I will utilize a few left overs I have laying around and for this build as well. The stand will be built by me and Ricki, so we can get what I want. Lighting will be from AI Vega, flow will be a HY2000 for return and two MP10's. The rock work in this tank will be from Marco Rocks and a few Alternative Reef magnetic frag stations for depth.
The sump will be custom built by Advanced Acrylic, either a 19x16x14 or a 20x18x14. This will depend on my stand. The sump will house a skimz 121, 250 watt heater, and be supplied water by a tunze 3155 ATO. This will be ran by a Apex also running a two part Doser.
Plans for stocking this tank are a pair of clowns and a sunburst anemone as the center piece. Around these I will have some lps and softies. This will come as the tank stables.
More to come as the tank ships today...........

[MizTanks]

Yahoooo!! Looking forward to your new build :)

[ballhog]

Sounds Sweet. I just requested a price from Reef Savy for my next tank, 24x24x24. Please , please please post pictures when it comes in. How long did it take them to make it?

[larryandlaura]

Will do it ships today. If you seen a reef savvy in person you would see top notch craftsmanship. I got the tank off a friend who bought it in March, and never set it up. I also have a tank being built by them, it has about 6 months of lead time left. If your in a hurry Living Reefs Orlando has a tank the same as mine for $900 + $500 shipping to your door.

[larryandlaura]

Its here......(just a few days late)

[larryandlaura]

A quick teaser pic of the cube.

[Sir Patrick]

Thats a real nice cube man

[larryandlaura]

Thanks Chris, I can't wait to start cycling it. The craftsmanship on Felix's tanks are second to none.

[MizTanks]

Sweet!!! I love cube tanks! Excited to see what you do with it Larry :) This is great! Your back and Chris's is back-lol.

[larryandlaura]

Thanks Jamie, even Rcombs aka Ricki is getting back in.

[larryandlaura]

Sump is done and ready. It is a 19.5x16x14 made by advanced acrylics. So I will be selling a brand new synergy 16x14x14 sump.

[larryandlaura]

Started the stand tonite, so here are a few picture of what we got done.

[MizTanks]

Thats something I missed out on. Building my own stand. Looks great Larry :)

[larryandlaura]

Ricki is amazing at building stands. We built mine so that I can have two doors that open and have matching storage chest to hide the ato container. Building your own is the way to go. I also decided to stain it ebony on the outside and white inside.

[larryandlaura]

Decided on Bimini Pink sand, picking it up Thursday along with a few other odds and ends. Hoping to be wet Friday.

[larryandlaura]

A bit of progress tonite. Should have the doors on tomorrow and sanded ready to be painted.

[Dmmz]

Nice job on the stand!

[larryandlaura]

Nice job on the stand!

Thanks appreciate the complement. Just trying to figure outback shelf to hold the mp10 controllers and apex.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The stand looks great. Are the main supports 2x2s?

Tom

[larryandlaura]

The stand looks great. Are the main supports 2x2s?

Tom

Yes they are with steel bracing. Overkill for the little 45 cube. Thanks for the complement.

[larryandlaura]

Sump came today. Going with the 19.5x16x14 advanced acrylic over the 16x12x15 synergy. The advanced acrylic came with a sock holder and adjustable frag holder.

[larryandlaura]

Tomorrow I plan on doing the aqua scaping. I have 50+ pounds of Marco rock, that I will be using to make a U shaped structure.

[Dmmz]

Where are the pictures of the scape

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

[larryandlaura]

Where are the pictures of the scape

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

Will post pics soon. Had to redo the scape due to the Marco Rocks mortar dries and binds fast. I had to bust up my original scape.

[larryandlaura]

Updated stand picture's. More to come tonite.

[larryandlaura]

Almost done with the stand. Shelf is built in and doors ready to be put on. Tomorrow I will be painting!

[larryandlaura]

The stand is 25x25x34 with two doors and a built in shelf to hold the mp10 controllers and apex unit.

[larryandlaura]

Stand is complete, and ready for paint in the morning. The stand took a lot longer then expected, however you can't rush perfection.

[Dmmz]

Stand looks great but that is a really deep sand bed in the tank ;)

[larryandlaura]

Stand looks great but that is a really deep sand bed in the tank ;)

I'm a big fan of the deep sand beds.

[jimsflies]

The substrate seems a little coarse...do you think detritus will get trapped in it?

[larryandlaura]

[QUOTE=jimsflies;188396]The substrate seems a little coarse...do you think detritus will get trapped in it?[/QI

I chose the substrate for color, to clean up the detritus easier. I'm hoping the white really makes the detritus pop, with the LEDs.

[larryandlaura]

Stand is painted and almost dried. Getting ready to do the aquascape.

[larryandlaura]

Here is the paint!

[larryandlaura]

Here is the box to match my stand that will cover a 10 gallon tank for the ATO.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The stand looks really nice. What is the finish, stain or paint, black or grey?

Thanks,
Tom

[larryandlaura]

The stand looks really nice. What is the finish, stain or paint, black or grey?

Thanks,
Tom

Its four layers of ebony stain on the outside, and the inside of the stand is four coats of rustoleum white. I will be putting three coats of polyurethane on it in a hour. Thanks for the complement!

[MizTanks]

Great looking stand Larry! Excellent job :)

[larryandlaura]

Great looking stand Larry! Excellent job :)

Thanks for the kind words Jamie.

[larryandlaura]

Hats off to Marco Rocks. Every rock was individually wrapped in bubble wrap. I will post pics soon as I am trying to aquascape once again. Going for a U shape and a mini cave.

[MizTanks]

Thanks for the kind words Jamie.

Your very welcome Larry, much deserved :)

[larryandlaura]

A few pics of the rocks before aqua scaping.

[larryandlaura]

Tommorrow afternoon the tank will be wet and beginning to cycle. Stay tuned for photos.

[MizTanks]

Ok love the rock!! That is gonna be fun to work with! Can't wait to see what you do :) Hurry up would ya-lol.

[binford4000]

Looks really good Larry. We used Marco dry rock on our build. Great rock! Was wondering why you are useing a U shape scape ? Not judging just wondering. Did you get Marcos enzyme 9 also ?? Awesome way to cycle a tank. We used it and had great results. Looking forward to seeing more. Welcome back !

I would suggest you consider a rock scape design that would allow positive flow thru and around it. If you can achieve that it will allow removal of excess food, nutrients and waste much easier. I have always noticed when diving that coral reefs are most commonly a group of small islands that allow the currents to travel thru and around the reef or are long saddles or draws that achieve the same thing.

[larryandlaura]

Aquascape complete!

[larryandlaura]

A few more pictures.

[larryandlaura]

Looks really good Larry. We used Marco dry rock on our build. Great rock! Was wondering why you are useing a U shape scape ? Not judging just wondering. Did you get Marcos enzyme 9 also ?? Awesome way to cycle a tank. We used it and had great results. Looking forward to seeing more. Welcome back !

I would suggest you consider a rock scape design that would allow positive flow thru and around it. If you can achieve that it will allow removal of excess food, nutrients and waste much easier. I have always noticed when diving that coral reefs are most commonly a group of small islands that allow the currents to travel thru and around the reef or are long saddles or draws that achieve the same thing.

I have a slot open in the back for flow. I'm limited on space and love the U in the cubes. I will be using 2 mp10's for flow.

[binford4000]

Looks great ! Now lets see it wet! That epoxy is awesome. We used it on ours.really works fantastic. Once dry that's it.

[larryandlaura]

Thank you very much. Stand is in the house and supplies for the build.

[Sir Patrick]

When ya adding water?

[Dmmz]

Aquascape looks great now it's time to get the water

[Tankster]

What's taking so long? Get it wet!

[larryandlaura]

What's taking so long? Get it wet!

Lol I'm trying, just hard with preschool, dance, cheerleading, and soccer.

[larryandlaura]

The gear before the tank is on its new stand.

[larryandlaura]

Ok love the rock!! That is gonna be fun to work with! Can't wait to see what you do :) Hurry up would ya-lol.

The rock is very fun with the mortar.

[larryandlaura]

When ya adding water?

I have the plumbing done. However I'm not wet...... Marine Depot sent the wrong loccline part. I will be going to home depot tomorrow then finishing I hope.

[Dmmz]

I hope you find what you need and have the system up and running today home depot should be open soon

[larryandlaura]

I hope you find what you need and have the system up and running today home depot should be open soon

Heading there now and to a welder. AI Vegas take a #10 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=10) /32 screw. I opened the light and no screws...... So off to home depot to get eye hooks and the only #10 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=10) /32 screw I can find and weld something together. Also will figure out this return as well.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Lol I'm trying, just hard with preschool, dance, cheerleading, and soccer.

Wow, you're busy. I would not have pegged you as a preschooler or cheerleader!

Tom

[larryandlaura]

Wow, you're busy. I would not have pegged you as a preschooler or cheerleader!

Tom

Lol.....surprise.

[larryandlaura]

Tank is wet!

[MizTanks]

Yahoo!!! Looking gooood :))

[Sir Patrick]

Very nice man

[larryandlaura]

Very nice man

Thanks Chris, I love it.

[larryandlaura]

Yahoo!!! Looking gooood :))

Thanks Jamie it means alot coming from you.

[larryandlaura]

Just a update the tank is dang near silent. I love how I can also view it as a top down and 3 sides. Getting the MP10's on and the ATO.

[Dmmz]

Great job on the tank!!

[larryandlaura]

Great job on the tank!!

Thank you very much! Just gotta get my locline to get rid of the ugly PVC return.

[larryandlaura]

Starting to clear up.

[Tankster]

Awesome setup! Put me first in line when you decide to get out again.

[larryandlaura]

Awesome setup! Put me first in line when you decide to get out again.

I'm not going to get out again. However I'll let you know when I upgrade. If your interested in the tank stand and sump.

[MizTanks]

Larry I really like your scape, a lot! Looks awesome in that cube :)

[Tankster]

I'm not going to get out again. However I'll let you know when I upgrade. If your interested in the tank stand and sump.
lol...sounds like you are already planning the next one!

[larryandlaura]

Larry I really like your scape, a lot! Looks awesome in that cube :)

Thanks Jamie it took me 3 days of playing around with the rocks to get a few caves and arches.

[larryandlaura]

lol...sounds like you are already planning the next one!

I have a tank being built, so a upgrade or two tanks is inevitable.

[larryandlaura]

I decided ongoing with one MP40wes instead of the two MP10es. For one it only takes one piece of glass. Second it puts out more flow so I can angle my return through the cave. The single MP40wes puts a nice little wave in the tank.

On also still working on my Apex, and ATO. Hoping to have these finished tonite.

[larryandlaura]

Tank water is all cleared up. Now to wait for it to cycle. Scored a pair of Wyoming Whites after the cycle.

[MizTanks]

Pics or there's no water in it!! Lol :)

[larryandlaura]

Here you go Jamie.

[MizTanks]

Sweet!! Is this gonna be a mixed reef?

[larryandlaura]

Sweet!! Is this gonna be a mixed reef?

It will be a mixed reef. I'm adding the clowns and the sunburst first, then building around them.

[larryandlaura]

Cycling sure does take forever.

[larryandlaura]

Skimmer came in. I went with a Reef Octopus Classic INT110 with the new aquatrance pump.

[Dmmz]

Cycling does seem to take forever but you will forget how long it took after you start adding coral.

[larryandlaura]

Just a mini update. The tank sand bed and rocks are covered in diatoms. So in a week or two I'll be adding a clean up crew. And a side note still having issues with the Reef Octopus INT 110. No matter what the water level is it overflows.

[Sir Patrick]

Run some Carbon Larry, see if the overflow issue goes away.

[Sir Patrick]

Ive had similar results using bare clean dry rock in a new tank. Carbon helped for me

[larryandlaura]

Run some Carbon Larry, see if the overflow issue goes away.

Thanks will do Chris. Never thought of it, I always added carbon after my cycle.

[MizTanks]

I wouldn't even run the skimmer during cycling.

[Poseidon]

I had a Reef Octo skimmer that seemed to overflow on a whim...

[larryandlaura]

I had a Reef Octo skimmer that seemed to overflow on a whim...

Ever fix it? I'm used to Bubble kings and Alpha Vertex skimmers.

[larryandlaura]

I wouldn't even run the skimmer during cycling.

I'm trying to break the skimmer in Jamie. But no matter what depth either 4" or 7" it overflows. I limited to sump space and don't have a lot of options.

[Poseidon]

Ever fix it? I'm used to Bubble kings and Alpha Vertex skimmers.

Uh, I fixed it by getting a Vertex Omega 150. :p It didn't seem to matter the water level, or cleaning, it would overflow empty, it would overflow full. Mine was a Diablo 160 that I had borrowed from a friend, I think in that model the neck was WAY to big for the pump and body.

[MizTanks]

What about priming it via the Venturi?

[larryandlaura]

Uh, I fixed it by getting a Vertex Omega 150. :p It didn't seem to matter the water level, or cleaning, it would overflow empty, it would overflow full. Mine was a Diablo 160 that I had borrowed from a friend, I think in that model the neck was WAY to big for the pump and body.

Nice, however I can only fit a skimmer that is inches width and 10 long due to my sump on this cube.

[larryandlaura]

What about priming it via the Venturi?

I didn't try that. However I did give it a vinegar bath.

[MizTanks]

I didn't try that. However I did give it a vinegar bath.

Unplug skimmer, pinch and hold Venturi then plug back in. Hold until water in skimmer reaches max desired level then release Venturi.
I had to do this with my RO BH-1000 ever time the power was shut off to it.
Not sure if it applies to in sump skimmers but it can't hurt :)

[creefer]

Nice work, Larry!!

I love reef savvy tanks. My next tank will be reef savvy. I really like your scape and look forward to seeing it grow.

[larryandlaura]

Nice work, Larry!!

I love reef savvy tanks. My next tank will be reef savvy. I really like your scape and look forward to seeing it grow.

Thank you very much. When are you getting a Reef Savvy? Best quality period, the tanks are flawless.

[larryandlaura]

Unplug skimmer, pinch and hold Venturi then plug back in. Hold until water in skimmer reaches max desired level then release Venturi.
I had to do this with my RO BH-1000 ever time the power was shut off to it.
Not sure if it applies to in sump skimmers but it can't hurt :)

Thanks for the tip Jamie.

[binford4000]

I found adding a needle valve inline on the air tube between the Venturi and muffler helps solve this issue with many of their skimmers and allows you to better control the skimmer levels.

[larryandlaura]

I found adding a needle valve inline on the air tube between the Venturi and muffler helps solve this issue with many of their skimmers and allows you to better control the skimmer levels.

Thank you for the tip. This is why I love CR, we are a close knit group.

[Dmmz]

How are thinks going with the cycling

[larryandlaura]

How are thinks going with the cycling

Just sitting back and waiting. The diatoms covered the rocks and sand bed. I'm hoping next week to add a clean up crew.

[creefer]

Thank you very much. When are you getting a Reef Savvy? Best quality period, the tanks are flawless.

It's going to be a while before I get one. I hope to get it by this time next year. We shall see.....

[larryandlaura]

Mini update, I added a small clean up crew and some test frags. The diatoms went away within a week on a positive note.

[larryandlaura]

Things are going great, clean up crew still alive as well as the frags. Diatoms are also almost gone.

[MizTanks]

Sweet!! Love these moments especially :) My tanks doing so well I don't even wanna do a WC-lol.

[larryandlaura]

Got my pair of ProAquatix Wyoming Whites. Pictures soon to follow. They are in a three hour acclimation, to assure they are comfortable.

[Dmmz]

Still waiting patiently :)

[MizTanks]

Yeah!! Hey Larry what's up with the no pics?!!

[larryandlaura]

Still waiting patiently :)

Still trying they won't stay still for a picture.

[larryandlaura]

A few pictures but blurry....

[larryandlaura]

The stocking list so far consists of....

One cleaner shrimp
A pair of Wyoming Whites
Red fire fish
Yellow clown goby
A few snails and blue hermits
Jason Fox Jack O Lantaern
Reef Raft Space Invader Oxypora Chalice
TDF Jawbreaker
TDF Adonis
TDF Starburst Cap
Tyree Toadstool
SC nuclear sunset
SC Rainbow yuma
Rastas
Cornbred Fangbanger
Armagedons
Blue discoma
Neon green bubble mushroom
Hammer Coral
Dark heart favia
Watermelon acan enchinata
Orange Ricordeas
Yellow yumas
Tyree 4 color watermelon chalice
Red with green eyes war coral
Aquacultured Rose Bubble tip anemone
CC Habenaro Monti
CC space invader pectina
CC Original Oregon Torte
CC Cherry Limeaid
CC Vapor Mushroom
ASD Rainbow breath, space invaders, icarus, stinger, rainbow soul favias
ASD Blizzard Millie
ASD Rainbow deep water
ASD spider woman micro
ASD green arrow, Betty hoop, god of war, bleeding apple, candy apple Bowebankis
ASD Mustard cyhestria

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Let's see some pictures, man!

Tom

[larryandlaura]

[QUOTE=Tom@HaslettMI;189958]Let's see some pictures,

Will do soon, its been awhile.

[larryandlaura]

Will be posting update pics here shortly after the lights come on. I also updated my livestock list.

[larryandlaura]

My new Rose.

[larryandlaura]

Happy Rose! The corals just starting to open.....even more pics to follow!

[larryandlaura]

And more.....

[larryandlaura]

Random pictures......

[larryandlaura]

My Wyoming white clowns.

[Dmmz]

Great pics those Wyoming whites are awesome

[larryandlaura]

Great pics those Wyoming whites are awesome

Thanks I love them. They are very active and I enjoy watching them. I wanted a pair for along time.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Everything is looking good!

Tom

[larryandlaura]

Everything is looking good!

Tom

Thank you very much.

[larryandlaura]

Just added a red fire fish and a yellow clown goby for $16. And tommorrow my jawbreaker and SC nuclear sunset mushrooms will be here.

[larryandlaura]

TDF jawbreaker, SC nuclear sunset, green and purple hairy mushroom. And a Yuma picture....

[larryandlaura]

I sure do love the a smaller tank. I'm about 50 gallons total after live rock and sand with the sump. I did another 10 gallon water change today and its fast and easy. Compared to the 80-100 gallon water changes I used to do.

[Sir Patrick]

Looking good Larry.

[robandrosco]

How bout an update?! FTS would be cool. Your tank looks great.

[Sir Patrick]

Heck yeah- lets get an update!

[larryandlaura]

Looking good Larry.

Thanks Chris! Yours is looking amazing.

[larryandlaura]

Heck yeah- lets get an update!

Will do tomorrow.

[larryandlaura]

How bout an update?! FTS would be cool. Your tank looks great.

Thank you very much, I will tommorrow.

[larryandlaura]

Here are a few as promised. Have a order coming from AquaSD and Sexy Corals next week.

[robandrosco]

looks good! If you guys ever need anything brought up from down state gimme a shout. Me and Rosco are in Houghton lake quite a bit! see you at tip up town?

[larryandlaura]

looks good! If you guys ever need anything brought up from down state gimme a shout. Me and Rosco are in Houghton lake quite a bit! see you at tip up town?

That would be awesome. See you at tip up town. How often do you come up?

[robandrosco]

In the winter a couple times a month. Summer atleast once a month.

And I'm about 15 minutes from The Tropicorium.

ps.. Get a REV!

[larryandlaura]

[QUOTE=robandrosco;191120]In the winter a couple times a month. Summer atleast once a month.

And I'm about 15 minutes from The Tropicorium.

ps.. Get a REV!

I'm lookin for a mxzx 440 rev. Keep your eyes out.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The tank is coming along nicely. Is that a yellow clown goby in the second pic?

[larryandlaura]

The tank is coming along nicely. Is that a yellow clown goby in the second pic?

Thank you very much. And yes the goby is in that picture. Best $5 I spent in a longtime, he is always perching on something.

[larryandlaura]

Will be posting more pictures soon. Got a huge order from AquaSD and one coming from Cherry.

[larryandlaura]

All three sides of my cube.

[larryandlaura]

CC Habenaro monti, Sexy Corals Rainbow Yuma,favia garden, bowerbanki, AquaSD Mustard cyphestria ( uber bright ).

[Sir Patrick]

Nice additions man

[MizTanks]

Tank is looking great Larry! :)

[larryandlaura]

Nice additions man

Thanks Chris.

[larryandlaura]

Tank is looking great Larry! :)

Thanks Jamie coming from you it means alot.

[dputt88]

hey larry i still have a frag of oreo zoas for you. you gave me a frag of it like 2 years ago only condition was one day you wanted a frag or it back. let me know when you want it.

[larryandlaura]

hey larry i still have a frag of oreo zoas for you. you gave me a frag of it like 2 years ago only condition was one day you wanted a frag or it back. let me know when you want it.

No way thank you. I forgot about those. Are they growing good?

[larryandlaura]

Some updates and a Cherry Corals Vapor Shroom.

[larryandlaura]

And a Cherry Corals Habenaro Monti update, with a vapor picture.

[MizTanks]

Larry-what is pic #4 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=4) above?

[larryandlaura]

Larry-what is pic #4 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=4) above?

Picture number 4 is Jason Fox jack o lantern. And five is Cherry Corals space invader pectina.

[MizTanks]

Oh I like that Jack-o-lantern! :)

[larryandlaura]

Oh I like that Jack-o-lantern! :)

When it grows out l will keep you in mind.

[MizTanks]

When it grows out l will keep you in mind.

Now that would be awesome!! :)

[dputt88]

No way thank you. I forgot about those. Are they growing good?

yeah they grow so-so like most of my zoas. i managed to keep a couple frags of them at all times.

[larryandlaura]

Updated page 12, with my livestock. Should I do another update and put them in categories like LPS, SPS, and such?

[Tropical Buff]

tank looks great Larry